Is the BCG Vaccine Safe for Undernourished Individuals?

Cellular immunity is critical for protection against tuberculosis, but its integrity is compromised during undernutrition. The present study was designed to evaluate if the attenuated mycobacterium BCG is a safe vaccine for undernourished individuals. An experimental model of undernutrition was established by subjecting BALB/c mice to dietary restriction. These animals received 70% of the amount of food consumed by the healthy control group and exhibited physiological alterations compatible with malnutrition, including body weight loss, reduced levels of triglycerides and glucose, and reduced lymphocyte numbers. Undernourished mice were immunized with BCG, and the mycobacterial loads in lymph nodes, spleen, liver, lungs, and thymus were determined. A much higher proportion of undernourished mice exhibited bacterial dissemination to the lymph nodes, spleen and liver. In addition, only undernourished animals had bacteria in the lungs and thymus. Concomitant with higher mycobacterial loads and more widespread BCG dissemination in undernourished mice, production of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-10 was also diminished in these mice. Taken together, these results indicate that BCG infection is more severe in undernourished mice. Whether a similar phenomenon exists in undernourished children or not remains to be thoroughly investigated.

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Increased Expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in Mononuclear Cells in Patient with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v110.11.3847.3847 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 110 (11) ◽

pp. 3847-3847 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yunfeng Cheng ◽

Shanhua Zou ◽

Feng Li

Keyword(s):

Plasma Concentration ◽

Mrna Expression ◽

Mononuclear Cells ◽

Control Group ◽

Gene Expressions ◽

Expression Levels ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Healthy Control ◽

Ifn Γ ◽

Mrna Expression Levels

Abstract Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disease characterized by platelet destruction resulting from autoantibodies against self-antigens and T-cell mediated cytotoxicity. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern recognition receptors important in mediating the immune response and their activation can lead to production of cytokines. Recent data suggest that TLR2 and TLR4 are crucial for the production of inflammatory cytokines and play central role in autoimmune diseases, yet little is known about their roles in ITP. Here we examined the gene expressions of TLR2 and TLR4 in ITP patients. We hypothesize that significant differences will exist between pre-treatment and post-treatment in ITP patients with similar changes reflected in the plasma concentration of cytokines. Total RNA was extracted from mononuclear cells obtained from 12 ITP patients and 15 healthy subjects. TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA expression levels were analyzed using a quantitative real-time PCR method and their protein expressions were validated by western blot. Plasma concentrations of cytokines IL-2, IFN-γ and TNF-α were measured by ELISA. Correlation analyses were carried out between the mRNA expression levels of TLR2 or TLR4 and the plasma levels of IL-2, IFN-γ and TNF-α. The gene expression of TLR2 and TLR4 were significantly increased in ITP patients comparing to healthy control group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). In addition their mRNA expression levels were decreased back into normal range after remission in 8 patients (p > 0.05, compared to healthy control group). Significantly positive correlations were found between the TLR2 mRNA expression level and the plasma concentration of IFN-γ or TNF-α (R = 0.75, p < 0.05; R = 0.83, p < 0.05, respectively). Changes in the gene expression of TLR4 and in the plasma concentration of IFN-γ or TNF-α were also significantly correlated (R = 0.82, p < 0.05; R = 0.88, p < 0.05, respectively). Directional changes in TLR2 / TLR4 and IFN-γ /TNF-α expression were concordant. However, there was no correlation found between TLR2 / TLR4 and IL-2. Differences in TLR2 and TLR4 expression strongly correlated with changes in IFN-γ and TNF-α suggest that the increased gene expressions of TLR2 and TLR4 in ITP patients may contribute to the pathophysiological progression of this disease by increasing the secretion of IFN-γ and TNF-α. Additional studies need to be performed to further clarify the role of TLRs -cytokines pathway in ITP.

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Vaccination and Infection of Swine With Salmonella Typhimurium Induces a Systemic and Local Multifunctional CD4+ T-Cell Response

Frontiers in Immunology ◽

10.3389/fimmu.2020.603089 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Selma Schmidt ◽

Elena L. Sassu ◽

Eleni Vatzia ◽

Alix Pierron ◽

Julia Lagler ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

T Cells ◽

T Cell ◽

Lymph Nodes ◽

T Cell Response ◽

Effector Memory ◽

Cell Immune Response ◽

Control Group ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Ifn Γ

The gram-negative facultative intracellular bacteria Salmonella Typhimurium (STM) often leads to subclinical infections in pigs, but can also cause severe enterocolitis in this species. Due to its high zoonotic potential, the pathogen is likewise dangerous for humans. Vaccination with a live attenuated STM strain (Salmoporc) is regarded as an effective method to control STM infections in affected pig herds. However, information on the cellular immune response of swine against STM is still scarce. In this study, we investigated the T-cell immune response in pigs that were vaccinated twice with Salmoporc followed by a challenge infection with a virulent STM strain. Blood- and organ-derived lymphocytes (spleen, tonsils, jejunal and ileocolic lymph nodes, jejunum, ileum) were stimulated in vitro with heat-inactivated STM. Subsequently, CD4+ T cells present in these cell preparations were analyzed for the production of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17A by flow cytometry and Boolean gating. Highest frequencies of STM-specific cytokine-producing CD4+ T cells were found in lamina propria lymphocytes of jejunum and ileum. Significant differences of the relative abundance of cytokine-producing phenotypes between control group and vaccinated + infected animals were detected in most organs, but dominated in gut and lymph node-residing CD4+ T cells. IL-17A producing CD4+ T cells dominated in gut and gut-draining lymph nodes, whereas IFN-γ/TNF-α co-producing CD4+ T cells were present in all locations. Additionally, the majority of cytokine-producing CD4+ T cells had a CD8α+CD27- phenotype, indicative of a late effector or effector memory stage of differentiation. In summary, we show that Salmonella-specific multifunctional CD4+ T cells exist in vaccinated and infected pigs, dominate in the gut and most likely contribute to protective immunity against STM in the pig.

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Assessment of Key Elements in the Innate Immunity System Among Patients with HIV, HCV, and Coinfections of HIV/HCV

Current HIV Research ◽

10.2174/1570162x18999200325162533 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (3) ◽

pp. 194-200

Author(s):

Maryam Moradi ◽

Alireza Tabibzadeh ◽

Davod Javanmard ◽

Saied Ghorbani ◽

Farah Bokharaei-Salim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Innate Immunity ◽

Mononuclear Cells ◽

Hiv Infections ◽

Control Group ◽

Peripheral Blood Mononuclear ◽

Hiv Coinfection ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Immunity Genes ◽

Healthy Control ◽

Hcv Coinfection

Background: Coinfection of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has a higher risk of mortality than HCV or HIV monoinfection. HCV and HIV infections are specified by systemic inflammation, but the inflammation process in HCV/HIV coinfection is much complicated and is not well characterized. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of TLR-3, TLR-7, IL-10, IFN-1 (IFN-α, IFN-β), and TNF-α in HIV, HCV and HIV/HCV co-infected patients. Methods: Forty-five patients including HIV group (n=15), HCV group (n=15), HIV/HCV coinfection group (n=15) and healthy control group (n=15) participated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained. PBMC-RNA, HCV and HIV RNA were extracted from all subjects and cDNA was synthesized. The viral load analyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and the expression levels of IFN-α, IFN-β, TLR-3, TLR-7, TNF, and IL-10 mRNA were quantified in PBMCs. Results: The levels of IFN-I, IL-10, and TNF-α were overexpressed in all patients’ groups (P<0.05), TLR-7 was upregulated in all groups, but this upregulation was not statistically significant (p>0.05). TLR-3 showed a decrease in all patient groups (P<0.05). The statistical analysis demonstrated that TLR-3 has a negative correlation with HIV load, whereas other genes positively correlated with HIV load. In addition, TLR-3, TNF-α, and IFN-I were negatively correlated with HCV load, whereas TLR-7 and IL-10 s were positively correlated with HCV load. Conclusion: Our results showed a significant relationship between the expression level of innate immunity genes and inflammation in HCV, HIV, and HIV/HCV coinfected patients.

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High Levels of TNF-α and TIM-3 as a Biomarker of Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in People with HIV Infection

Life ◽

10.3390/life11060527 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 527

Author(s):

Lucero A. Ramon-Luing ◽

Ranferi Ocaña-Guzman ◽

Norma A. Téllez-Navarrete ◽

Mario Preciado-García ◽

Dámaris P. Romero-Rodríguez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome ◽

Immune Reconstitution ◽

Control Group ◽

Hiv Patients ◽

Art Initiation ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Ifn Γ ◽

Α Level ◽

Inflammatory Syndrome

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is an exacerbated immune response that can occur to HIV+ patients after initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART). IRIS pathogenesis is unclear, but dysfunctional and exhausted cells have been reported in IRIS patients, and the TIM-3/Gal-9 axis has been associated with chronic phases of viral infection. This study aimed to evaluate the soluble levels of TIM-3 and Gal-9 and their relationship with IRIS development. TIM-3, Gal-9, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, TNFR1, TNFR2, E-cadherin, ADAM10, and ADAM17 were measured to search for IRIS-associated biomarkers in plasma samples from 0-, 4-, 8-, 12-, and 24-weeks after ART initiation of 61 HIV+ patients (15 patients developed IRIS, and 46 did not). We found that patients who developed IRIS had higher levels of TIM-3 [median 4806, IQR: 3206–6182] at the time of the IRIS events, compared to any other follow-up time evaluated in these patients or compared with a control group of patients who did not develop IRIS. Similarly, IRIS patients had a higher TNF-α level [median 10.89, IQR: 8.36–12.34] at IRIS events than any other follow-up time evaluated. Other molecules related to the TIM-3 and TNF-α pathway (Gal-9, IL-6, IFN-γ, TNFR1, TNFR2, ADAM-10, and ADAM-17) did not change during the IRIS events. In conclusion, our data suggest that a high level of soluble TIM-3 and TNF-α could be used as an IRIS biomarker.

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CD8+ T lymphocyte is a main source of interferon-gamma production in Takayasu’s arteritis

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-96632-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yan-Long Ren ◽

Tao-Tao Li ◽

Wei Cui ◽

Li-Min Zhao ◽

Na Gao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Interferon Gamma ◽

T Lymphocyte ◽

Peripheral Blood ◽

Lymphocyte Subsets ◽

Takayasu’S Arteritis ◽

Control Group ◽

Takayasu's Arteritis ◽

Cd8 T Lymphocyte ◽

Healthy Control ◽

Ifn Γ

AbstractInterferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is a cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK). However, the source of IFN-γ in TAK patients is not fully clear. We aimed to investigate the source of IFN-γ in TAK. 60 TAK patients and 35 health controls were enrolled. The lymphocyte subsets of peripheral blood were detected by flow cytometry, cytokines were detected by Bio-plex. The correlation among lymphocyte subsets, cytokines and disease activity indexes was analyzed by person correlation. The level of serum IFN-γ in TAK patients was significantly increased (P < 0.05). The percentage of CD3+IFN-γ+ cells in peripheral blood CD3+ cells was significantly higher in TAK patients than that of healthy control group (P = 0.002). A higher proportion of CD3+CD8+IFN-γ+ cells/CD3+IFN-γ+ cells (40.23 ± 11.98% vs 35.12 ± 11.51%, P = 0.049), and a significantly lower CD3+CD4+IFN-γ+/ CD3+CD8+IFN-γ+ ratio (1.34 ± 0.62% vs 1.80 ± 1.33%, P = 0.027) were showed in the TAK group than that of control group. The CD3+CD8+IFN-γ+/CD3+IFN-γ+ ratio was positively correlated with CD3+IFN-γ+cells/ CD3+cells ratio (r = 0.430, P = 0.001), serum IFN-γ level (r = 0.318, P = 0.040) and IL-17 level (r = 0.326, P = 0.031). It was negatively correlated with CD3+CD4+IFN-γ+/CD3+IFN-γ+ ratio (r = − 0.845, P < 0.001). IFN-γ secreted by CD3+CD8 + T cells is an important source of serum IFN-γ in TAK patients.

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Cytokine expression in the duodenal mucosa of patients with visceral leishmaniasis

Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical ◽

10.1590/s0037-86822010000400011 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 43 (4) ◽

pp. 393-395 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Kleber Giovanni Luz ◽

Felipe Francisco Tuon ◽

Maria Irma Seixas Duarte ◽

Guilherme Mariz Maia ◽

Paulo Matos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Gastrointestinal Tract ◽

Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽

Intestinal Bacteria ◽

Duodenal Mucosa ◽

Control Group ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Organ Specific ◽

Ifn Γ

INTRODUCTION: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease with a complex immune response in different organs. This pattern of organ-specific immune response has never been evaluated in the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study was to determine the in situ immune response in duodenal biopsies on patients with VL. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted on 13 patients with VL in comparison with nine controls. The immune response was evaluated using immunohistochemistry, for CD4, CD8, CD68, IL-4, IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-10. Histological findings from the villi, crypts and inflammatory process were analyzed. RESULTS: All the cases of VL presented Leishmania antigens. No antigen was detected in the control group. The villus size was greater in the VL patients (p < 0.05). CD68 (macrophages) and CD4 levels were higher in the VL patients (p < 0.05). No differences in the expression of CD8, TNF-α, IL-10 or IL-4 were demonstrated. The number of cells expressing IFN-γ was lower in the VL patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Low levels of cytokines were found in the gastrointestinal tract of patients with VL. This pattern was not found in other organs affected by the disease. Immunotolerance of this tissue against Leishmania could explain these findings, as occurs with intestinal bacteria.

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The expression and significance of inflammatory cytokines and MMP-9 in the tears of the infected eye and contralateral uninfected eye in patients with fungal keratitis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-269176/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Shuang Zhang ◽

Hui-Min Wu ◽

Xiang-Ni Cao ◽

Xian-Qi Zhang ◽

Gui-ping Gao

Keyword(s):

Tear Film ◽

Fungal Keratitis ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Control Group ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Cytokine Levels ◽

Healthy Control ◽

The Relationship ◽

Tear Film Function

Abstract Background: We investigated bilateral tear cytokine levels including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-10, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in patients with fungal keratitis(FK). Meanwhile, we evaluated the relationship between the changes of tear cytokines with corneal perception and pain in infected eyes, and the relationship between tear cytokines and tear film function in contralateral uninfected eyes .Methods : A total of 60(20 FK, 20 contralateral, 20 healthy controls) tear samples were collected prospectively and analyzed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Approximately 50 to 60 ul of tear samples in each case were collected. Meanwhile ,we analyzed the changes of visual analogue scale(VAS), tear breakup time (TBUT), Schirmer I test (SIT) and corneal perception compared with healthy controls. Results :The concentrations of IL-1β, IL-10 and IL-17 increased in bilateral eyes compared with healthy controls(P<0.05). The tear concentrations of MMP-9 , TNF-α only significantly increased in affected eyes (P <0.05). Patients with FK showed significant reduction in corneal perception of infected eyes compared with controls(P<0.05). Corneal perception of the normal eyes in FK patients was slightly lower than that of control group, but there was not statistical difference (P>0.05).TBUT and SIT of contralateral uninfected eyes were significantly lower than that of control group(P<0.05), which were significantly correlated with levels of IL-1β, IL-17(P<0.05). SIT were also negatively correlated with MMP-9(P<0.05), while the levels of IL-1β, IL-10, IL-17, TNF-α and MMP-9 in the tears of the healthy control group had no significant correlation with TBUT and SIT indicators(P>0.05).The corneal perception and VAS score of the affected FK eyes showed correlation with IL-1β, IL-17 and TNF-α(P<0.05).In addition, concentration of IL-10 inversely was correlated with VAS (P<0.05). Conclusion: Proinflammatory tear cytokines are elevated in bilateral eyes with unilateral FK as associated with tear film function ,pain and corneal sensitivity.

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Expression of Regulatory T Cells in Jejunum, Colon, and Cervical and Mesenteric Lymph Nodes of Dogs Naturally Infected with Leishmania infantum

Infection and Immunity ◽

10.1128/iai.01862-14 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 82 (9) ◽

pp. 3704-3712 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Maria M. Figueiredo ◽

Beatriz Deoti ◽

Izabela F. Amorim ◽

Aldair J. W. Pinto ◽

Andrea Moraes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

T Cells ◽

Regulatory T Cells ◽

Lymph Nodes ◽

Leishmania Infantum ◽

Parasite Load ◽

Mesenteric Lymph Nodes ◽

Content Type ◽

Mesenteric Lymph ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Ifn Γ

ABSTRACTUsing flow cytometry, we evaluated the frequencies of CD4+and CD8+T cells and Foxp3+regulatory T cells (Tregs) in mononuclear cells in the jejunum, colon, and cervical and mesenteric lymph nodes of dogs naturally infected withLeishmania infantumand in uninfected controls. All infected dogs showed chronic lymphadenitis and enteritis. Despite persistent parasite loads, no erosion or ulcers were evident in the epithelial mucosa. The colon harbored more parasites than the jejunum. Frequencies of total CD4+, total Foxp3, and CD4+Foxp3+cells were higher in the jejunum than in the colon. Despite negative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) serum results for cytokines, levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), gamma interferon (IFN-γ), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were higher in the jejunum than in the colon for infected dogs. However, IL-4 levels were higher in the colon than in the jejunum for infected dogs. There was no observed correlation between clinical signs and histopathological changes or immunological and parasitological findings in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of canines with visceral leishmaniasis. However, distinct segments of the GIT presented different immunological and parasitological responses. The jejunum showed a lower parasite load, with increased frequencies and expression of CD4, Foxp3, and CD8 receptors and IL-10, TGF-β, IFN-γ, and TNF-α cytokines. The colon showed a higher parasite load, with increasing expression of IL-4.Leishmania infantuminfection increased expression of CD4, Foxp3, IL-10, TGF-β, IFN-γ, and TNF-α and reduced CD8 and IL-4 expression in both the jejunum and the colon.

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Study on Mechanism of Human Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell in Treating Patients with Aplastic Anemia.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v110.11.4099.4099 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 110 (11) ◽

pp. 4099-4099

Author(s):

Zhenhua Qiao ◽

Xiujuan Zhao

Keyword(s):

Bone Marrow ◽

Flow Cytometry ◽

T Cells ◽

Aplastic Anemia ◽

Hematopoietic Cell ◽

Control Group ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Ifn Γ ◽

Tgf Β1

Abstract Objective: To explore mechanism of human marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in treating patients with aplastic anemia(AA). Methods: MSCs in patients with aplastic anemia(AA) and the control group were separated with Percoll(1.073g/m L) and cultured in low glucose DMEM. Then, observed their morphologies,checked their molecule surface antigen by flow cytometry and examined the process of adipogenic differention. The mononuclear cells (MNC)of marrow in patients with AA were enriched based 1.077g/L density centrifuge and cultured in the 1640 medium. (1)MSC in control group and MNC in AA group were co-cultured with or without cytokines. The function of supporting hematopoiesis for MSC was to be observed in single confluence layer after plating by counting the total cells and the clones in every well every week. Then analyzed the dynamics of proliferation. T cells were harvested by using nylon column. MSC in control group and T cells in AA group were co-cultured. The proliferation of T cell was measured by MTT method. The CD25,CD69,CD4,CD8,Annexin-V expression rates of CD3+T cells were analyzed by flow cytometry .The gene and protein of IL-2, IL-4,IL-10,TNF-α,IFN-γ,TGF-β1 were examined by RT-PCR and ELISA respectively. MSC treated to the model of AA, by the examination of peripheral hemogram, bone marrow biopsy, pathological section of spleen. Results: There was no significant difference between control group MSC and AA-MSC in morphologies but adipogenic differentiation in AA patients is earlier than controls. The clones of CFU-GM in group(MSC)(78.46±3.58)/2×105 cells, after 14 days cultured was significantly higher than(9.21±4.32)/2×105 cells in group(CK + DMEM medium), while lower than (99.32±4.34)/2×105 cells in group(MSC+CK). (1)the Treg cells (TCD4+CD25+) in AA group (2.01±1.21)/ 2×105 was significantly lower than (4.43±1.67)/2×105 cells in control group, while(5.43±2.31) / 2×105 in group (MSC+AAT) was no more than (4.43±1.67)/2×105 cells in control group. (2) MSCs significantly inhibited T cell proliferation (P< 0. O5)by MTT. (3) RT-PCR and ELISA analysis showed that MSCs induced the expression of IL-4, IL-10, TGF-β1 and decreased significantly the expression of IL-2, TNF-α, IFN -γ in T cells of AA. the model of AA treated by MSCs showed improvements in 3 blood components greatly(p<0.05), Bone marrow proliferated and restored to the normal level, hematopoietic cell increased obviously (hematopoietic cell capacity was more than 40%), and atrophied spleen restore to normality. Conclusions: morphologies of AA’MSC had no evident different with the control but was more easy adipogenic differention. aplastic anemia belongs to autoimmune diseases in which T cells effect organ-specific destruction. The fundamental mechanism of MSC in treating AA should be potential to promote hematopoietic cell proliferation by adjusting immunity.

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Impact of Cytokine Gene Polymorphisms on Risk and Treatment Outcomes of Aplastic Anemia In Korea

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v116.21.4432.4432 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 116 (21) ◽

pp. 4432-4432

Author(s):

Yun-Gyoo Lee ◽

Ji-Hyun Kwon ◽

Dong-Yeop Shin ◽

Eun-Young Song ◽

Hyun Kyung Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Aplastic Anemia ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Recessive Model ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression Model ◽

Control Group ◽

Dominant Model ◽

Cytokine Genes ◽

Hematologic Response ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Ifn Γ

Abstract Abstract 4432 Introduction The clinical evidence of responsiveness to immunosuppressive therapy (IST) supports immune pathophysiology for acquired aplastic anemia (AA). Recent studies suggested that auto-reactive cytotoxic T-cells against hematopoietic cells play a key role in the pathogenesis of AA with various cytokines. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of cytokine genes are related to the risk of AA and, furthermore, the response to IST. Methods We analyzed 80 adult patients diagnosed as acquired AA. The 84 unrelated, age and sex matched healthy subjects served as a control group. In 3 cytokine genes (IFN-γ, TNF-α, TGF-β) and one FAS gene, we selected 10 polymorphisms on the basis of allelic frequency and the assumption of clinical relevance from previously reported associations. To assess the association between polymorphisms and risk of AA, we calculated statistical differences in allele, genotype, and haplotype distributions between patients and controls using chi-square test in 3 genetic models (dominant, recessive, and additive). For the association between polymorphisms and response to initial course of IST, we analyzed 44 patients who were treated with IST using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results Among 10 SNPs in 4 genes, one SNP and one haplotype in IFN-γ gene were significantly associated with the development of AA: IFN-γ -2353A/T; the presence of the T allele in dominant model was protective and was related to a 2.3-fold reduction in the risk for AA (P =.012); the presence of the IFN-γ TCA haplotype was related to a two-fold reduced risk for AA (P =.038). The IFN-γ -2353 T allele was shown to be resistant to IST; the presence of T allele and TCA haplotype in IFN-γ gene (dominant model) was related to a 13.2-fold reduced hematologic response at 6 months following initial IST (P =.034). However, 4 SNPs and 2 haplotypes in TNF-α gene did not show any significant associations with the response at 3 and 6 months. In terms of 2 SNPs in TGF-β gene, TGF-β P10L T/C was independently related; the T allele (recessive model) was related to a 4.3-fold reduced response to IST at 3 months (P =.038). Accordingly, the response was related to the TGF-β haplotype; the TC haplotype homozygote (recessive model) was related to a 4.6-fold reduced response to IST at 6 months (P =.036); the presence of CT haplotype (dominant model) was favorable to IST and was related to a 5.7-fold higher response at 3 months than the absence of the CT haplotype (P =.038). Conclusion This exploratory study found that the genetic polymorphism of IFN-γ was susceptible to the development of AA and was related to the hematologic response following initial IST. In case of TGF-β, the polymorphisms were related to the response to IST, though they were not be related to the disease susceptibility. Large studies with a prospective design are needed to better understand the determinants of risk of AA and responsiveness to IST. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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